The use of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (aODNs) for the therapy of cancer

Although specific cancer targets are difficult to identify, the recent development of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (aODNs) as inhibitors of gene expression has been shown to provide a new and useful tool in antiblastic management. aODNs are able to specifically interact with gene or mRNA sequences and inhibit the expression of relevant molecules for cancer pathogenesis and progression. Since alpha-DNA polymerase (pol-alpha) plays an essential role in cell proliferation, aODNs to pol-alpha have been synthesized in order to block mRNA translation and affect the growth of MDA-MB 231, human breast cancer cell line and SW626 ovarian cancer cells. A rapid colorimetric test (MTT assay) which measures cell growth and survival has been employed to evaluate the effects induced by ODN treatment. The present experimental results demonstrate that the aODNs to pol-alpha are able to significantly affect cell proliferation. This study provides an encouraging basis for the exploitation of ODNs as therapeutic agents in vitro and in future clinical application.